Latvian player suspended after dangerous body check

Kulda not known for being gentle

The match between the Czech Republic and Latvia on Saturday could prove fateful for the Latvian team after their player Arturs Kulda was banned for three matches for a dangerous body check on Czech opponent Radek Martinek.

The tackle left Martinek sprawled out on the ice with severe concussion, and there is a strong chance he will remain out for the rest of the World Championships. This was confirmed by medical supervisor of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Beat Villiger, who said there is little chance of him playing again in this tournament.